How do I vote in the Gateshead council elections?
PA MediaAll of Gateshead Council's seats will be contested on Thursday 7 May as part of an all-out local election.
Elections will be taking place across the UK.
Three councillors will be elected in each of Gateshead's 22 wards, with 66 seats contested in total.
A list of candidates will be published after 9 April and polling cards will be sent with information on where to vote.
When are the local elections in Gateshead?
Polling stations are open from 07:00 to 22:00 BST on Thursday 7 May.
As long as you are in the queue by 22:00, you will be allowed to vote.
The deadline to register to vote is Monday 20 April, which can be done online.
Gateshead Council is currently controlled by the Labour Party, and its political make-up is:
- Labour Party - 46 seats
- Liberal Democrat - 18 seats
- Independent - 2 seats
The local authority is responsible for services including waste management and planning and building control.
PA MediaGateshead Council said it would have 97 polling stations open across the borough.
There is a requirement for voters to provide photographic identification at polling stations.
This can include passports, driving licences or some other government issued documents.
You can also apply for a "free voter authority certificate" if you do not already have an accepted form of photo ID.
Ballot papers can be marked with a pencil or pen.
You can bring your own with you, and they will be available at the polling station too, the council says.
Mark a cross (X) in the box opposite the name of the candidate you are voting for.
If you would prefer to vote by post, you can apply here.
The council said votes would be counted from the next morning.
It plans to count in two sessions on Friday 8 May; half in the morning expected to start at 09:00, and half in the afternoon expected to start at 13:00.
